NIGEL Quashie is facing a lengthy suspension after picking up his second red card of the season and being accused of using foul and abusive language to a match offical.

Referee Mike Dean revealed he would be reporting Quashie for an alleged outburst to the linesman as he left the field following his dismissal.

The Baggies midfielder was given a straight red card in yesterday's defeat by Middlesbrough after kicking George Boateng.

Quashie would normally serve a three-match ban for violent conduct but his suspension is set to be extended by one game as he also received his marching orders in South-ampton's draw at Hull in November.

It means Quashie will now miss Saturday's game against Chelsea, followed by games against Blues (a), Manchester United (h) and Spurs (a).

And that ban could be extended if the FA act upon the Wirral official's report.

Manager Bryan Robson had no complaints about Albion's fourth red card of the season, claiming that his most recent signing had let himself down.

"We were disappointed with Nigel Quashie's lack of discipline," he said. "He let himself down and he let his team-mates down.

"With 11 men, given the way we played with 10 men, we might have given Middlesbrough more problems. It was a sending-off offence - no complaints about that. It wasn't really violent but he had a kick so the referee was right to send him off.

"And it looks like it could be four games because he was sent off for Southampton this season. We can't afford ill discipline like that and he will be fined for it."

Albion now face an uneviable run of games, starting with Chelsea on Saturday and ending at Arsenal on Easter Saturday.

Robson's men also face away trips to Blues, Spurs and Villa along with home games against Manchester Unted and Liverpool.

"You look at it now, Blues have Boro this week and if they get a win up there then Middlesbrough are back in it too," added Robson. "As long as we keep the gap to six points then teams that are down there are still in the fight.

"Even though yesterday was setback for us, Villa and Boro are still in a relegation fight and I'm sure their managers will agree with that.

"We have to take pluses out of each game and I think our general play in yesterday's game was pretty good apart from the cutting edge which simply wasn't there from us."